LGBTQIA+ themed prelims for St. Joseph's annual intra-college fest, Prathibha

St. Joseph’s College’s, Prathibha, an annual intra-college fest had a very special theme this year, with the authorities, students' council body and organising committee celebrating gender pride which took place in the last week of August, from 26th to the 31st. Throughout the prelims week, the theme was included across dance and fashion events, with the general mood among teachers and participants being about inclusivity and acceptance and respect towards the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the dance performances, for instance, highlighted the struggles faced by closeted queer individuals with a classical-contemporary take on the emotions faced by the members of the community.

One of the dancers, Indira Sinha, says, “We were encouraged by the faculty and the students’ council for the performance. We also celebrated the rights of the community with different colours of the rainbow each day of the week, to understand the deeper meaning of the virtue of each colour.” Kiran Jeevan, Public Relations Officer, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), adds, "The response to the fest, and the theme in particular, has been positive. Progressiveness from a religious institution as ours is also extremely important.”